FRENCH President Emmanuel Macron has responded to a deepening crisis with promises of tax cuts, higher pensions and civil service reforms.

The address was a long-awaited response to the yellow vest movement which began in November. Fierce protests broke out over rises in fuel costs but widened to cover a range of grievances over economic inequality. In a live address at the Elysee Palace, Mr Macron said order must return, but acknowledged a “lack of trust” in the establishment.

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The speech was originally scheduled for April 15 but was postponed after the devastating fire at Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris.

The announcement is the culmination of what was called a "grand debate" with the French people about their concerns - an unforeseen political tactic through which Mr Macron said he had “learned a lot”.

President Macron said he recognised that “fair demands” were at the core of the gilet jaunt, or yellow vest, movement.

The protests were initially intended to fund eco-friendly projects in the wake of rising fuel prices, escalated into the sometimes violent yellow vest movement.